USING ICT TO FORM FOREIGN LANGUAGE COMMUNICATIVE COMPETENCE OF FUTURE ARMED FORCES OFFICERS

Abstract

The article provides an analysis, theoretical justification and results of empirical approbation of using information and communication technologies as a tool to help future officers of the Ukrainian Armed Forces acquire foreign language communicative competence. A broad overview of the ICT employed in language teaching has been provided, as well as the rationale behind integrating ICT into cadets’ language learning process. In order to validate the effectiveness of ICT in military learning environment, a pedagogical experiment has been conducted; its findings have been described. It has proved the efficiency of using ICT in the process of language learning in a military higher education institution, resulting in the increase in cadets’ language proficiency, professional preparedness, and overall academic skills. Implementation of ICT was also instrumental in providing powerful motivation, having an effect on cadets’ attitude towards language learning and promoting their autonomy, creativeness and cognitive skills. Future officers found the ability to interact and maintain real-life contact with native speakers, counterparts or military experts and engagement in international projects through video chats and video calls to be a particularly inspiring and enjoyable experience. Another benefit of integrating ICT is the opportunity to present subject matter in different ways depending on the cadets’ individual learning style. Using visual aids such as pictures, videos, multimedia presentations, infographics, etc. motivated cadets to be engaged in reading, making texts easier for comprehension when illustrated with pictures, graphics, illustrations, audio and video. The technology gave the cadets a greater control over their learning progress and more freedom to collaborate in the classroom.